| MODEL | KAWASAKI VN 1500 VULCAN DRIFTER 2002 - 2005 |
| Year | 2002 - 2005 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, 50 deg V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 1470 cc / 89.7 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 102 x 90 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 64 hp / 46.7 kW @ 4700 rpm |
| Max Torque | 112 Nm / 82.6 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Induction | Digital fuel injection, dual 36 mm throttle bodies |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 Speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | High-tensile steel, double cradle |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm cartridge fork, 150 mm / 5.9 in wheel travel |
| Rear Suspension | Dual air-assisted shock absorbers, 4-way rebound damping, 100 mm / 3.9 in wheel travel |
| Front Brakes | Single 300 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Single 270 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 739 mm / 29.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 1655 mm / 65.2 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 302 kg / 668 lb |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 130/90R-16 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/80R-16 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.9 Litres / 5.0 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 14.2 km/litre average |
| Top Speed | 177 km/h |
The Drifter in its later years keeps the retro Indian-inspired look of the 1999 model: a large front mudguard, teardrop tank, solo seat and gloss black finish with a chromed fishtail exhaust. It uses the same liquid-cooled 1500 engine with fuel injection and shaft drive, and the five-speed is shifted by heel-and-toe. The page describes it as a comfortable town and slow-highway cruiser that revs out quickly, with wide bars and no wind protection.
